Chợ Bến Thành Market is the oldest, largest and most important public market in Hồ Chí Minh City. Located in the heart of District 1, this sprawling marketplace is popular with tourists and locals alike. As with most big markets in Asia, you can pretty much buy anything here, including clothes, traditional handicrafts, and all manner of fake branded luxury goods. Be prepared to bargain even though “fixed price” signs are posted.

The indoor market is a huge building, always buzzing with activity and vendors vying for your business. The surrounding streets are also crammed with stalls selling souvenirs, fresh produce and traditional foods. This is also where you’ll find some of the best authentic Vietnamese street food.

On my recent visit to Saigon (as it is still referred to) I spent some time in the market and the surrounding area. Here are some of the photos – click to see large versions.

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